In this episode of the PACT podcast we reflect on recent events, especially the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a professed believer with strong convictions for Christ. We explore how, from a biblical perspective, Christians should expect persecution and suffering as part of following Christ, recognizing that God’s sovereignty governs the span of life for every person. We acknowledge that although we do not fully understand why such events happen, we trust God’s providence to work all things for good for those who love Him. We discuss the complex nature of martyrdom, considering whether Charlie Kirk is remembered as a political or Christian martyr, noting that his faith and political views are deeply entwined. We observe the wide range of societal reactions to his death, from anger to indifference, and caution against blanket statements that assign collective guilt for individual acts of violence. We emphasize the importance of guarding our hearts and minds amid polarized worldviews and rhetoric. Furthermore, we examine how Christians balance the desire for justice with the call to forgive enemies and pray for persecutors, understanding that justice and mercy coexist in the gospel. We highlight the example of forgiveness displayed by Charlie Kirk’s wife and remind believers to avoid sinful anger while seeking righteous responses. Throughout, we encourage pursuing prayer, accountability, confidentiality, and truth within Christian community as we navigate difficult realities in today’s world.

In this episode we reflect on the idea of “leveling up,” a concept familiar in video games, and how it parallels our human desire for progress in life. We realize this impulse to improve is natural and God-given, rooted in our creation to grow and cultivate what He has entrusted to us. Yet, we also acknowledge that sin distorts this desire, tempting us to seek shortcuts or selfish motives rather than genuine growth for God’s glory. As believers, we understand sanctification as a lifelong process of growth and mortification of sin, not a quick fix or instant reward. We wrestle with balancing contentment and the godly pursuit of improvement, knowing that our motivation must align with honoring God rather than self-exaltation. Ultimately, we believe that our desire to “level up” points us toward becoming more like Christ, glorifying God through faithful, disciplined progress in all areas of life. We encourage one another to pursue this journey with patience, accountability, and truth, recognizing both the challenges and the hope we share in Christ.

In this episode we reflect on the deep longing for eternity that God has placed in our hearts, as Scripture reveals in Ecclesiastes 3. We recognize that this yearning is universal—even those who do not believe pursue immortality, though often through flawed means. We observe that many seek to extend life or cheat death through cryogenics or transhumanism, technologies aimed at escaping mortality without addressing the core issue of sin. As believers, we understand that true eternal life comes only through faith in Christ, who offers redemption and restoration beyond this life. We see how culture’s pursuit of autonomy and control over life and death echoes the fall, where people reject God’s authority and try to be their own gods. Yet, we are reminded that death is unnatural, a consequence of sin, and that God’s promise of a new heavens and new earth offers a genuine, glorified existence with Him forever. We acknowledge that many struggle to grasp the reality of eternal life, often imagining it in oversimplified ways, but we encourage one another to grow in understanding that eternity with God will be a full, embodied, and joyful experience. Ultimately, we confess that only through a personal relationship with Jesus can we satisfy the heart’s cry for eternity and find true hope beyond the brokenness of this world. Together, we commit to sharing this gospel truth with others, knowing that everyone wrestles with these questions, whether through technology, cultural shifts, or personal struggles, and that God’s story is the answer we hold onto as we live out our faith in community.

We reflect on Colossians 3:23, reminding ourselves to work heartily as unto the Lord, not men. We recognize that pursuing excellence means giving our best effort in family, ministry, and daily life, as if Christ Himself is watching. We know this pursuit requires hard work and dying to self, motivated by worship rather than seeking human approval.

We acknowledge pitfalls like laziness, mediocrity, and perfectionism, understanding that perfection is unattainable in our fallen world. Instead, we aim to give our best with integrity and motivation to honor God, relying on His grace to cover our weaknesses. We strive not to pit grace against effort but to balance them in humility and dependence on the Lord.

We see that gifting should inspire us to grow and pursue excellence, not stagnate. By cultivating our strengths and welcoming feedback, we serve the church more effectively. We also recognize pride as an enemy that can hinder growth.

Together, we commit to stewarding well the message and tasks entrusted to us in the church—greeting newcomers warmly, teaching diligently, and worshiping sincerely. We want to do all these things with excellence, not for show, but because lives and eternities are at stake.

Ultimately, we are called to pursue excellence in worship, love, and holiness, both individually and corporately, as a form of worship to God. Though we may not be perfect, we aim to give our best, relying on His grace and continually encouraging one another to grow. We invite you to join us in this journey of faith, striving together for excellence in all we do.

In this episode of we share about how our churches engage in summer ministries like Vacation Bible School (VBS) and youth camps, particularly at places like Jonathan Creek and Cedarmore. We describe how our students come back from camp energized and ready to serve, creating a positive cycle of involvement between youth and children’s ministries. We use trusted curricula like Answers in Genesis for VBS, and we appreciate the cooperation among nearby churches that allows kids to attend multiple programs, enriching their experiences without repetition.

We recognize that these ministries take significant time and resources, often occupying nearly half the summer with focused efforts on children and youth. We see the tremendous benefits: strengthened relationships among church members, deeper gospel exposure in a condensed time frame, and the fostering of discipleship that impacts students beyond the camp or VBS week. We also acknowledge challenges, such as costs and the risk of a temporary “camp high” that might fade, but we view these as manageable in light of the overall spiritual growth and community building.

We encourage everyone who can to get involved in these ministries, knowing that serving alongside students and children not only impacts their lives but also deepens our own faith and connections within the church family. We celebrate the joy, fun, and meaningful moments that come from these shared experiences, confident that the investment in these ministries yields lasting fruit in the lives of our young people and the body of Christ.

We’ve been away for a bit due to summer activities but are glad to reconnect and continue our series on church offices—specifically elders and deacons. We’ve discussed elders as men who hold teaching and authoritative roles, but when it comes to deacons, we face some interpretive questions, especially about verse 11 in 1 Timothy 3. The passage mentions “women” and their qualifications, which some understand as the wives of deacons, while others see it as referring to women serving as deaconesses. We recognize that respected theologians hold differing views on whether women can serve as deacons. We see that the role of deacon is one of service, distinct from the authority elders have, allowing for the possibility of women serving in that capacity without undermining biblical complementarianism. We also consider how a deacon’s spouse—whether a believer or not—can profoundly impact the ministry, highlighting the importance of character and integrity for both the deacon and their wife. Serving well as a deacon brings both a good reputation in the church and greater confidence in one’s faith in Christ. We encourage you to appreciate and thank the deacons in your life, recognizing their vital, often challenging, ministry. Finally, we urge grace and charity toward differing convictions about deacons’ roles, promoting unity and wisdom rather than division. Together, we seek to live out these truths faithfully in our local churches.

In this discussion, we explore what it means for deacons to “hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience” as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:9-10. We understand that the “mystery” refers to gospel truths once hidden but now revealed in Christ, which we must embrace firmly rather than chasing speculative or strange doctrines. We see that holding this mystery with a clear conscience means being deeply convinced in our hearts, not just stating beliefs because we’re expected to, but genuinely living them with integrity. We recognize that deacons primarily serve through tangible acts of ministry, yet their faith convictions shape how they serve others with sincerity and love. We also reflect on the importance of a testing period before officially serving as deacons, allowing both the individual and the church to confirm their calling and character—proving that they are blameless, above reproach, and ready to serve responsibly. Finally, we appreciate ordination as a formal recognition of this calling by the church, underscoring accountability and shared affirmation in our community’s leadership. Through this, we grasp how vital integrity, genuine faith, and practical service are intertwined in being effective deacons for Christ’s church.

We’ve transitioned from discussing elders and pastors to examining deacons—those who serve by managing mercy ministries and meeting needs both inside and outside our church. We recognize that while every believer is called to serve, deacons have distinct qualifications and responsibilities. They are appointed by the church to ensure service happens effectively, not just to serve personally. We understand the difference between elders, who lead and teach, and deacons, who are dignified servants overseeing practical care. We see that qualifications like being not double-tongued, sober, trustworthy, and free from greed help us identify men of good character who represent Christ well. We also agree that their role isn’t simply about completing tasks but about embodying the gospel’s truth through honorable service. Lastly, we acknowledge there’s no fixed number or age for deacons; rather, we are guided by qualifications and the church’s needs, striving for a healthy mixture of ages and maturity to serve well. Together, we will continue to explore these qualifications deeply as we do life together in our local church.

In this episode, we explore the qualifications for elders, overseers, and pastors within the church, focusing on how we manage our own households, the importance of not being recent converts, and being well thought of by outsiders. We recognize that managing our household well isn’t about perfection but about credibility and character—if we can’t lead and maintain respect in our family, it’s hard to expect to lead the church effectively. We admit we all face struggles at home, yet the way we live and lead there reveals who we truly are. We also discuss that being a recent convert is a concern, because without maturity and experience in Christian community, pride might take hold, leading to failure in leadership. Finally, we understand the need to be respected not just inside the church but also by those outside, so that our reputation doesn’t bring reproach to Christ. We agree there’s grace in this process, and evaluation must be thoughtful and case-by-case, especially regarding family situations. Together, we acknowledge that these qualifications ultimately point to living a life marked by integrity and servant leadership, both at home and in the church, so that we can faithfully shepherd others and glorify God in all areas of life.

In this episode, we continue our study of the qualifications for pastors and deacons from 1 Timothy 3, emphasizing qualities such as gentleness, peaceableness, and integrity. We recognize that as pastors, we are called to respond gently rather than violently, avoiding quarrels and resisting the love of money. We understand that leadership involves exercising wisdom, choosing battles carefully, and prioritizing peace over constant controversy. We remind ourselves that our role is to represent Christ faithfully, speaking truth with grace, and ensuring that our motives remain pure, not driven by financial gain. We acknowledge the need to maintain healthy boundaries in ministry, particularly regarding finances and our platform’s scope, focusing primarily on the flock entrusted to us. As we reflect on these qualities, we commit ourselves to lead with humility, gentleness, and truth, modeling Christ’s character for the community we serve.

In our latest episode of the PACT Podcast, we explore critical aspects of church leadership, focusing specifically on the roles of pastors, overseers, and elders. We discuss the different terms used in the New Testament, such as elder and overseer, and consider whether they represent distinct offices or a single role with various titles. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the significance of having multiple elders within a congregation to provide diverse strengths and perspectives in serving the church. Additionally, we reflect on the calling and aspiration to leadership, highlighting that while a sense of desire may arise, it must align with the confirmation of one’s character and conduct as seen in 1 Timothy 3. Ultimately, we aim to encourage the community to engage in prayer, accountability, confidentiality, and truth as essential principles for doing life together in the church.

In our recent episode of the PACT Podcast, we explored various aspects of preaching within Christian communities, highlighting our different approaches and the theological challenges we face. We emphasize the importance of expositional preaching, where we let the scripture dictate the message rather than tailoring the text to fit our preconceived ideas. As we work through the books of John and Romans, we encourage listeners to engage deeply with God’s Word, recognizing that the journey is about more than just conveying information; it’s about relational growth, understanding our roles as shepherds, and inspiring our congregations to embody the principles of prayer, accountability, confidentiality, and truth. By sharing our experiences and insights, we foster a learning environment that benefits all of us as we navigate the complexities of faith together.

In our latest episode of the PACT Podcast, we delved into the concluding portion of the Beatitudes from Matthew 5, focusing on the profound subject of persecution for righteousness’ sake. We explored how this type of suffering is distinct from general hardship, emphasizing that it arises from a deep-rooted malice against our beliefs. As we examined the scripture, we came to understand that when we are persecuted for our commitment to Christ, we should find solace in our heavenly reward. We acknowledged that while facing adversity is counterintuitive to human instincts, experiencing persecution can bless us greatly in the eyes of God. Throughout this discussion, we reinforced the importance of discerning whether our experiences of persecution stem from genuine righteousness in Christ or from our shortcomings. Ultimately, we encouraged ourselves to embrace a mindset of rejoicing during such trials, firmly believing that they shape our character and deepen our faith in the Lord’s sovereignty.

In our discussion on the Beatitudes, particularly focusing on "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God," we explore what it means to be a peacemaker. We recognize that a peacemaker is someone who actively seeks peace in their relationships, both with others and with God. This involves maintaining harmony in our interactions and stepping in to resolve conflicts when necessary. We understand that as Christians, we are called to embody this role, reflecting the peace of Christ in our lives. We also acknowledge that peacemaking can be challenging, especially when it requires confronting sin or discomfort. Ultimately, being a peacemaker connects us to our identity as children of God, as we reflect His character and the cost associated with pursuing peace. We are encouraged to be slow to anger, quick to listen, and to seek understanding in our relationships, recognizing that true peace often requires effort and humility.

In this episode of the PACT Podcast, we explore the concept of mercy as described in the Beatitudes, specifically Matthew 5:7, which states, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." We discuss how mercy is not merely a passive act of overlooking wrongdoing but involves a balance of justice and forgiveness. We reflect on the importance of recognizing the mercy we have received from God through Christ, which empowers us to extend mercy to others, even in the face of serious offenses. We emphasize that our actions should not be motivated by a desire to earn mercy but should stem from the understanding of the grace we have already been given. Ultimately, we are called to embody mercy in our relationships while allowing justice to be served through appropriate channels.

In this episode of The Packed Podcast, we explore the Be Attitude "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." We discuss the significance of hungering and thirsting for righteousness, emphasizing that it reflects a deep, single-minded pursuit of God's righteousness. We recognize that true satisfaction comes not from our own efforts but from our relationship with Christ, who fulfills our deepest longings. We also highlight the importance of the heart's intent behind our actions, contrasting it with the external righteousness of the Pharisees. Ultimately, we affirm that our pursuit of righteousness is a response to the righteousness we have received through faith in Christ, leading to true happiness and satisfaction in our lives.

In the Packed Podcast, we explore the concepts of meekness and gentleness as taught by Jesus, particularly in the context of the Sermon on the Mount. We discuss how these qualities are often misunderstood in our culture, where being assertive and self-promoting is valued. We define meekness as a form of restrained power and confidence, emphasizing that it is not weakness but rather a deliberate choice to hold back in situations where one might normally assert themselves. We reflect on how Jesus exemplified meekness and how, as believers, we are called to inherit the earth through our faith and trust in God, which empowers us to live meekly. Ultimately, we recognize that true contentment comes from understanding our identity in Christ and the future inheritance awaiting us.

In this episode of The PACT podcast, we explore the complexities of Christian living and discipleship, particularly focusing on the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. We discuss the paradox of mourning and happiness, emphasizing that while mourning reflects the brokenness of the world due to sin, it also leads to comfort through our relationship with God. We recognize that our mourning is not just about personal loss but encompasses the broader effects of sin in the world. Ultimately, we find joy and purpose in our faith, understanding that our experiences of sorrow can deepen our appreciation for the grace and redemption offered through Christ.

In this episode of the PACT podcast, we continue our exploration of the Beatitudes, focusing on the first one: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." We discuss the significance of being poor in spirit, emphasizing that it reflects a proper understanding of our spiritual state before God, recognizing our need for His grace rather than relying on our own merits. We also highlight the countercultural nature of this teaching, contrasting worldly views of success and blessing with God's perspective. Ultimately, we affirm that acknowledging our spiritual poverty is essential for entering the kingdom of heaven and living a life dependent on God's grace.

In this episode of the PACT Podcast, we return after a two and a half month hiatus to discuss the challenges and lessons learned from suffering, specifically through the lens of Cody's experience with shingles. We explore the significance of prayer, accountability, and community support during difficult times. Cody shares his personal journey of dealing with intense pain and sensitivity, and how this experience has deepened his understanding of hope in Christ over reliance on health and personal strength. We reflect on the importance of being present for others in their suffering and how our own experiences can help us minister to those in need. Join us as we navigate these profound topics and prepare to dive back into our series on the beatitudes in future episodes.